Executive Walkway

President to Open 9th Devolution Conference in Homa Bay

President William Ruto will officially open the 9th Devolution Conference on Wednesday, 13th August 2025, in Homa Bay County. The conference, scheduled for 12th–15th August 2025, is the country’s flagship forum for reflecting on the progress of devolution and charting its future.

The event will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, practitioners, development partners, the private sector, academia, and citizens. While the first seven conferences were held annually, the 2023 edition in Eldoret marked the shift to a biennial format.

This year’s theme is “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice”, with the sub-theme “Re-engineering County Governments to Accelerate Development and Close the Socioeconomic Divide.” Discussions will focus on strengthening counties as key delivery agents of equity, inclusion, and social justice.

The program will feature plenary sessions, side events, exhibitions, and pavilions. As a policy-shaping forum, the conference provides space for participants to propose legislative, institutional, and administrative measures that advance the objectives of Article 174 of the Constitution on devolution.

The conference will conclude with a Joint Communiqué, capturing shared commitments and resolutions for strengthening Kenya’s devolved system of governance.

Parliamentary Aisle

National Assembly to Pass Mediated Gambling Control Bill, Sets KSh 100 Million Capital Bar for Betting Firms

Following the approval of the mediated version of the Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 70 of 2023), the national assembly is set to pass sweeping reforms in Kenya’s betting industry.

Under the new law, online betting operators will be required to meet a minimum capital threshold of KSh 100 million (about US$770,000),a sharp rise from the previous KSh 250,000.The overhaul comes amid mounting concerns over the rapid growth of the betting industry and its social impact among youth. The legislation, seen as a landmark in gambling regulation, is aimed at eliminating undercapitalized operators and boosting government revenue through improved tax compliance.

Corridors ofJustice

Supreme Court Begins its Recess

The Supreme Court August has begun its long recess which will end on Monday, 15th September, 2025 .The duty Judge will be available during recess to deal with urgent matters. During this period, the Supreme Court Registry shall be open to the public from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on all weekdays other than public holidays.

Talking of Which

ICT Ministry to set up new headquarters at Konza Technopolis

Plans are underway to construct modern headquarters for the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy at Konza Technopolis in Makueni County. The headquarters will host the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, state agencies that include the Directorates of Information and Public Communication, the State Department of ICT and the Digital Economy, as well as the ICT Authority.

Watch out for

Kenya Set to Host 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Historic Return to Continental Stage

Kenya will host the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) from Saturday, 2 August to Saturday, 30 August 2025, marking the country’s first continental sporting event in more than 40 years since the 1987 All-Africa Games.The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has certified key venues, including Nyayo National Stadium and Kasarani, both upgraded with modern facilities such as CCTV surveillance, Venue Operating Centres, and strict access controls. Security measures include deployment of CAF-trained

The Cabinet was briefed on Kenya’s readiness, with preparations now in advanced stages. The Harambee Stars, under a new technical bench, are in full residential training and will headline Group A alongside Angola, DR Congo, Morocco, and Zambia. T police officers and National Youth Service stewards to ensure a safe tournament.

Kenya’s successful hosting of CHAN is expected to cement the country’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events on the continent.

MovingUp

Absa Bank Kenya appoints Mohammed Nyaoga as Independent Non-Executive Director

Absa Bank Kenya has announced the appointment of Mohammed Nyaoga, EBS, SC, as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective 1 August 2025. The appointment was confirmed by Board Chairman Charles Muchene via a notice.

Mr. Nyaoga brings more than four decades of legal and financial expertise, with a distinguished record in corporate law, governance, litigation, and regulatory leadership. He is the Senior Partner at Mohammed Muigai LLP and currently chairs the African Development Bank Group’s Disclosure and Access to Information Appeals Panel. He also serves as a corporate governance trainer for the International Monetary Fund and has previously held key roles including Chairperson of the Central Bank of Kenya Board and Chair of the IMF External Experts Panel.He also chaired the Mining Licences Task Force and served as Commissioner of Inquiry into the suspension of the County Government of Makueni.

Mr. Nyaoga holds LLB and LLM degrees from the University of Nairobi, a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law, and certification as a Certified Public Secretary (CPS). He has also earned governance certifications from the Commonwealth Association of Corporate Governance, the American Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Said Business School at the University of Oxford, where he obtained a certificate in Bank Governance.

The Board expressed confidence that Mr. Nyaoga’s deep expertise in regulatory frameworks, risk management, and governance best practices will be invaluable in steering Absa Bank Kenya’s long-term growth and commitment to empowering Africa’s future.

Playbook

4th August 2025